The Senate Standing Committee on National Health Services has expressed concern over cartelization in the pharmaceutical sector, warning that profiteering is driving medicine prices to record levels.
Chairman Senator Amir Waliuddin Chishti said such practices weaken the government’s deregulation policy, meant to keep medicines affordable.
Health Minister Syed Mustafa Kamal told the committee that a detailed report on deregulation will be finalized by September 18.
The committee also approved the Mental Health (Amendment) Bill 2025 but deferred the PMDC (Amendment) Bill over concerns of political interference.
Lawmakers urged stricter controls on vaping near schools, called for strict monitoring of the MDCAT exam on October 5, and criticized private medical colleges for charging above the prescribed fees. The Chairman proposed audits while the Minister promised inspections of colleges in Islamabad.
